Redskins add SS Brandon Meriweather, but lose out on WR Eddie Royal

The Washington Redskins filled their void at strong safety on Thursday by agreeing to terms with Brandon Meriweather, a two-time Pro Bowler who joins his third team in less than seven months, but reportedly lost out on one of their receiver targets.

Meriweather, 28, agreed to a two-year deal worth $6 million, multiple outlets reported. Later on Thursday, ESPN and NFL Network reported former Denver Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal agreed to a three-year deal with the San Diego Chargers a move that came two days after reports he had a two-year deal with the Redskins.

Meriweather made the Pro Bowl as a member of the New England Patriots after the 2009 and 2010 seasons, but he didn’t survive New England’s final cuts last summer. He landed in Chicago and had 32 tackles in 11 games (four starts).

New England drafted him 24th overall in 2007 out of the University of Miami. He has 12 interceptions in five seasons.

Meriweather has been involved in two shooting incidents since 2006, but he was cleared of wrongdoing in both.

In 2006, police determined he used his gun legally in shooting at an assailant who shot his college teammate, Willie Cooper, in the buttocks. Two men accused Meriweather of shooting them in 2011, but authorities determined he was only a witness.

Washington’s agreement with Meriweather strengthens the probability that incumbent strong safety LaRon Landry will be allowed to depart in free agency.

The Redskins will continue to explore additions to their secondary when they host free agent cornerback Aaron Ross on a visit Friday.

Left guard Ben Grubbs, a Redskins free-agent target, reportedly agreed to a five-year, $36 million deal with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.